Restoration of Skidby Mill proving a 'real saga'

Extensive work is needed on a historical windmill before its sails can be reinstated, a council has said.

The sails at the Grade II listed Skidby Mill, near Cottingham in East Yorkshire, were removed in 2020 after wet rot was discovered in the oldest sails.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council approved restoration plans in November 2023 but has said the mill's support beam and the structure that houses the sails, known as the cap, also needed restoring.

Councillor Richard Meredith said the project had been a "real saga from beginning to end" but said the work was due to be carried out this summer.

A council spokesperson added: "Skidby Mill requires a lot of maintenance.

"Warm, wet and windy weather has meant that the site is facing more adverse weather conditions than ever before, therefore damp and mould are continuously affecting the mill's structure."

Meredith said it had also been a "herculean task" to find a new company to take on the job after the original firm requested by the council closed down during Covid.

"When you need expertise, when you need specialist material and equipment, when you need to attract funding, it's like trying to do a jigsaw puzzle inside a Rubik's cube. It's a very difficult journey," he added.

Built in 1821, the mill was created to harness the power of the wind but natural elements have weathered its structure.

It is approximately 58ft (17.7m) high and residents said it was a focal point for the community.

"Everybody in East Yorkshire knows Skidby Mill is here. It was grinding corn up until the 1960s," local businessman Peter Fenwick said.

"On a good day, I can see the mill from my bedroom window. It's a tourist attraction," added James Tunnicliffe, who often visits the coffee shop adjacent to the mill with his wife.

"It's quite sad and disheartening to see they've (sails) just been left here."

The four carefully crafted sails are stacked on top of each other against a brick wall surrounded by wire fencing at the mill.

Ann Griffiths, who has lived in Skidby for almost 30 years and regularly attends the council's public meetings, said the village was disappointed with the length of time it was taking.

She said: "You come in from Little Weighton over the hill and it's the first thing you see. Now there's nothing."

Meredith said he hoped the work would be completed soon.

"The hope is that by the end of summer the cap will be repaired and the sails will be installed," he explained.

"That's the hope and I'm one of those without a crystal ball."

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